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A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life___I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Quantum Physics and Open Theism

from J.C. Elliot:
___There are numerous implications of quantum physics on theology but let's concentrate on the implications of an open future. In open theism the future is not determined, but only possibilities, some more probable than others, until they are experienced in reality by free-will agents. The imagery many open theists use to describe the future is strikingly similar to that of quantum physicists. The analogy is one of a chess board; there are possibilities for the moves within given parameters. One can not know how the game will play out, but only possibilities. Once a move is played, the possibilities collapse to form the experienced reality. Therefore, God cannot know the future because there are only probabilities (some more probable than other), and not a determinent reality. However, God does know all future possibilities and all resulting possibilities, remaining omniscient.

So does quantum theory support open theism? I think the answer is a hesitant, yes. What Quantum physics tells us is that the universe is not deterministic, there is a sense of indeterminacy, much like the tenants of open theism. However, a spirit of humility regarding theories of physics and theology is needed. Physics has changed over eons as we better understand the natural world. Old theories have been debunked and new ones emerged. Perhaps in 100 years physicists may discover a new method of perceiving the world that deconstructs many aspects of quantum physics.The same can be true for theology; in the church's longstanding history there are revolutionary theologians who have postulated something extraordinarily different about the nature of God. Open theism, as a relatively new theology can give us a framework for thinking of God in light of quantum physics. If in 100 years quantum physics is disproved, or open theism invalidated then we simply can reframe how we think about God. We cannot fully comprehend the God of creation, so these are just tools to help us with what we can comprehend.
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The entire post can be read here.